From cramps to colds: The hidden dangers of air conditioning in summer
gettyimagesbank
As air conditioner use spikes during the humid monsoon season, health experts are warning of “air conditioning sickness,” a condition that can lead to a wide range of symptoms — especially in women. In particular, some women may experience worsened menstrual cramps or irregular periods due to the strain placed on the body by large indoor-outdoor temperature differences.
Air conditioning sickness occurs when the body’s autonomic nervous system struggles to adapt to abrupt changes in temperature, leading to fatigue as the body expends more energy trying to maintain its core temperature. This imbalance can also affect blood pressure and brain blood flow.
In addition to fatigue, people may suffer from headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, nasal and throat dryness, indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain and swelling in the hands and feet. Respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose and coughing may also appear. According to Seo Min-seok, a family medicine specialist at Incheon St. Mary’s Hospital, people with weakened immune systems or underlying conditions — such as asthma, allergies or chronic migraines — are particularly vulnerable.
Another potential cause of air conditioning-related illness is Legionnaires’ disease, an infectious condition triggered by the Legionella bacteria that can thrive in warm, humid environments, especially in cooling water used by air conditioning systems. Since it shares flu- and pneumonia-like symptoms — including high fever, cough and muscle aches — persistent or severe cases should be tested for bacterial infection.
Most cases of air conditioning sickness improve without medical treatment by getting sufficient rest and reducing exposure to cold air. However, prevention is key. Experts recommend keeping indoor temperatures between 22 to 26 degrees Celsius and limiting the temperature gap between indoors and outdoors to no more than five degrees.
To avoid direct exposure to cold air, air conditioners should be positioned away from the body. Ventilation is also important; windows should be opened at least once every 24 hours, and indoor humidity should be maintained at 50 to 60 percent. When dehumidifier functions cause humidity to drop to 30 to 40 percent, the respiratory tract can become dry, increasing susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections. Regularly cleaning and replacing air conditioner filters is essential to prevent bacterial growth.
“During the rainy season, indoor activity increases, and air conditioning tends to run for longer periods,” Seo said. “Maintaining healthy routines like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management, along with light walks and stretching, can help prevent air conditioning sickness.”
This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.